With a history spanning more than a century, SKS Germany is a key player in the bicycle accessories industry. At Taipei Cycle 2025, the company highlighted not only its latest product innovations but also its long-term ambitions.
A reliable air pump belongs with every bike. With this motto in mind, SKS Germany has grown into one of the most well-known accessory specialists in the global bicycle industry over the past century. Surprisingly, the company founded in 1921 by Karl Scheffer-Klute in Sundern, a small town in the German district of North Rhine-Westphalia, initially had nothing to do with bicycles, focusing instead on manufacturing curtain rods. That changed in 1932 when SKS pivoted to producing bicycle pumps—a decision that laid the foundation for its future success. The introduction of the high-performance “Rennkompressor” in the 1960s cemented its reputation among professionals, and in the decades that followed, the company steadily expanded its portfolio to include mudguards, tools, and, more recently, bicycle carriers.
“Today, SKS Germany employs 400 people and produces millions of bicycle pumps and fenders annually,” explains Patrick Eikeler, who is part of the SKS marketing and sales team. During an interview with The Show Daily, he also shares key company details: operating under the banner “Made in Germany,” the accessory specialist primarily manufactures in Germany, where its main base in Sundern oversees all development and production processes. Furthermore, they maintain a branch in Illinois in the United States. In 2023, the company, which is typically recognized by its signature orange logo, reported €63m in revenue, with a business split that leans slightly toward the aftermarket sector, though OEM partnerships remain a key part of operations. The strongest market is Germany, followed by Central Europe, Scandinavia, the UK, and parts of Eastern Europe.
Like the entire bicycle sector, SKS Germany has experienced market fluctuations over the past few years. The pandemic-driven cycling boom, which was especially strong in Germany, was followed by a period of slowed demand, high inventory levels and economic uncertainty. Yet, the company has remained resilient, as Eikeler reports: “In recent years, we have seen stable business development despite challenging market conditions,” he says. “The cycling industry first experienced a strong upswing during the pandemic, followed by a noticeable cooling due to shifting demand and high dealer inventories. While we have felt these developments, we continue to see solid demand for high-quality and innovative accessory solutions.”
For this reason, they are also not letting the expected continued downturn in the bicycle industry over the coming months unsettle them and are staying focused on product development and operational improvements. “One of our biggest priorities is continuously evolving our product portfolio—especially when it comes to innovative components, user-friendly mounting systems and sustainable materials,” Eikeler explains. The company is also investing heavily in digitization and electronic product development to meet the growing demands of modern cycling technology. In addition to new product innovations, streamlining production processes for greater efficiency and resource conservation is a top priority. “We are working to make our production more efficient and environmentally friendly,” says Eikeler. “At the same time, we are maintaining our high-quality standards and strengthening partnerships with our OEM and aftermarket customers.”
At Taipei Cycle 2025, SKS Germany showcased its latest developments in bicycle accessories and electronic solutions. Additionally, Eikeler emphasizes that the show was an important platform for the brand to connect with international partners, discuss industry trends and highlight its latest innovations. “Compared to Eurobike, which is strongly focused on the European market, the Taipei Cycle Show holds strategic significance for us, particularly in the Asian region. Therefore, the event serves as a bridge to new markets and enables us to refine our export strategy in a targeted manner,” he explains.
“Despite market challenges, we are optimistic about the future. Our focus is on delivering products that enhance the cycling experience and supporting the industry with reliable, high-performance solutions,” Eikeler concludes. A glance at the company’s history is enough to grasp what he means. With more than 100 years of experience, SKS Germany understands that long-term success is about more than just riding industry trends—it’s about setting them. The company has already transformed itself multiple times, from making curtain rods to producing some of the most recognizable bicycle accessories on the market. As it looks toward the future, its emphasis on digitalization, sustainability, and international growth ensures that it will remain a key player in the cycling industry for years to come.
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